Naso (Hebrew: נָשֹׂא, "Take a census/Lift up") is the second Torah portion of Numbers, covering Numbers 4:21–7:89. It is the longest parasha. It contains the census of the Levites, the laws of the Nazirite and the Sotah, the Priestly Blessing, and the offerings of the tribal leaders.
Census of the Levites
The Gershonites (age 30–50) are counted for service in the Tabernacle: carrying the curtains, coverings, and hangings. The Merarites carry the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets. The total number of Levites (age 30–50) is 8,580.
The Sotah (Suspected Adulteress)
If a man suspects his wife of adultery but has no witness, he brings her to the priest. The priest prepares "bitter water" (water from the laver with dust from the Tabernacle floor). The woman swears an oath; if she is guilty, the water causes her belly to swell and thigh to rot; if innocent, she is unharmed and conceives seed. "And the woman shall say, Amen, amen" (Numbers 5:22).
The Nazirite
A person may vow to be a Nazirite (נָזִיר): abstaining from wine and strong drink, not cutting hair, and not coming near a dead body. The vow can be for a set period. At the end, the Nazirite shaves his head, brings offerings, and may drink wine. "All the days of his separation he is holy unto the Lord" (Numbers 6:8). Samson was a lifelong Nazirite.
The Priestly Blessing
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
"The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24–26)
God commands Aaron and his sons to bless Israel with this threefold blessing. "And they shall put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them" (Numbers 6:27). This blessing is recited in synagogues and at life-cycle events.
Offerings of the Tribal Leaders
At the dedication of the Tabernacle, each of the twelve tribal leaders (nasi) brings an offering: a silver charger, a silver bowl, a gold spoon, animals, grain, and oil. The offerings are identical; each is described in full. "This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed" (Numbers 7:84). God speaks to Moses from above the mercy seat.
Major themes
- Priestly blessing: God's name placed upon Israel.
- Nazirite: Voluntary holiness and self-dedication.
- Justice: The Sotah as a divine test.
- Generosity: The tribal leaders' lavish offerings.
- Community: Each tribe's participation in the dedication.
Rashi
Rashi explains that the Sotah's bitter water was a test of faith — if she was innocent, the water was harmless. On the Nazirite, Rashi notes that the Nazirite is called "holy" but also must bring a sin offering, suggesting that renouncing wine (a gift from God) requires atonement.
Ramban
Ramban explains that the Priestly Blessing is a divine command, not a human blessing — God Himself blesses through the priests.
Midrashic interpretations
- Bamidbar Rabbah 10:1: The Priestly Blessing has three parts, corresponding to the three patriarchs.
- Bamidbar Rabbah 10:4: The Nazirite is holy but also a sinner for abstaining from God's gifts.
- Tanhuma, Naso 7: The Sotah's bitter water was a test of divine justice.
Haftarah
The haftarah (Judges 13:2–25) tells of the birth of Samson, a Nazirite from the womb. An angel announces his birth to Manoah's wife: "The child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb" (Judges 13:5).
References
- Numbers 4:21 – 7:89 (Masoretic Text)
- Rashi, Commentary on the Torah
- Ramban, Commentary on the Torah
- Bamidbar Rabbah (Midrash)
- Tanhuma, Naso
- The JPS Torah Commentary: Numbers (Jacob Milgrom, 1990)
- Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary (JPS, 2001)
- Sefaria.org, "Naso" (parasha)
Scholars and rabbis have long debated the nuances of this text. The medieval commentators Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and Sforno each offer distinct perspectives, ranging from grammatical analysis to theological reflection. Modern academic scholarship adds historical and literary context, comparing the text with ancient Near Eastern parallels.
In contemporary study, this material is explored through the lenses of halakha, aggadah, and Jewish thought. Synagogues and study groups worldwide engage with these texts weekly, finding new relevance in ancient words. The enduring vitality of this parasha lies in its ability to speak to every generation.
For a full Hebrew text and parallel translations, consult Sefaria.org. The JPS Torah Commentary series provides scholarly annotation. Contributions to expand this article are welcome.
These questions are designed to guide individual study and group discussion. Teachers and students are encouraged to add their own.
For deeper exploration, consult the following resources: Sefaria.org for the full Hebrew and English text; the JPS Torah Commentary series for scholarly annotation; Etz Hayim for a Conservative movement perspective; and the ArtScroll Stone Chumash for an Orthodox perspective. The Talmud and Midrash provide extensive rabbinic discussion.
Community study groups (shiurim) and online courses offer additional opportunities to engage with this material. Contributions to expand and improve this article are welcome.